Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the linear switch category, some distinct differences and similarities can be noted. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly nature and offers a polished, high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize affordability and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift distinguishes itself with a deeper sound profile thanks to its nylon housings, delivering a silky smooth typing experience with a delicate 42g actuation force. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a clacky and resonant feel, the Swift offers an easy-to-press and feathery touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Swift, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The absorption of sound by nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience on both switches. However, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offering a more clear and resonant sound compared to the HMX Swift.
While both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Swift feature nylon bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a more transparent appearance, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, which may be preferred by users looking for a switch with a fuller sound. Despite the differences in their top housing material, both switches share the characteristic of nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Swift ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, the HMX Swift provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of sound absorption and feel. Whether you prioritize a clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force, while the Swift offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer different experiences based on their force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we find that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Swift has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches are close in terms of travel distance, with the G Pro being slightly longer than the Swift. A difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant to most users, but it can affect the overall feel and experience of typing or gaming. Those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance may opt for the Swift, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the G Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness and performance, so choosing between them comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound profile when pressed. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, while the Swift provides a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leaning towards a more traditional linear switch sound and the Swift offering a unique, deeper tone.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a sleek and buttery typing sensation, while the Swift offers a light actuation force for effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offering a more polished feel and the Swift providing a feathery and bouncy feedback sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and HMX Swift linear switches each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its high-pitched and polished attributes, while the HMX Swift is recognized for its clacky and feathery qualities. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leaning towards a sharper sound profile and refined feel, and the Swift delivering a deeper sound profile and a light, bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, but users can expect similar overall smoothness and responsiveness from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy feel, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, then the Swift may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Swift will depend on what factors you prioritize in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
